PT - JOURNAL ARTICLE AU - Alexander L. Rogovik AU - Bruce Carleton AU - Alfonso Solimano AU - Ran Goldman TI - Palivizumab for the prevention of respiratory syncytial virus infection DP - 2010 Aug 01 TA - Canadian Family Physician PG - 769--772 VI - 56 IP - 8 4099 - http://www.cfp.ca/content/56/8/769.short 4100 - http://www.cfp.ca/content/56/8/769.full SO - Can Fam Physician2010 Aug 01; 56 AB - QUESTION Palivizumab, a specific monoclonal antibody for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), is available for prevention of pediatric respiratory tract infections. What are the indications for its use and can it be used for treatment of RSV infections? ANSWER Most infants should not be considered for RSV prophylaxis with palivizumab. The drug is approved for use for different indications in different Canadian provinces. The drug should be administered only in the context of infants most vulnerable to severe RSV illness with a high likelihood of hospital admission, particularly in the first 6 months of life. It is not effective in the treatment of RSV disease and it is not approved or recommended for this indication.